Electric toothbrush

ABSTRACT

An electric toothbrush includes a body portion and a head. The head includes a static portion and a moving portion. The moving portion rotates or reciprocates about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the head. The elongated body portion is hollow and further includes a motor and a gear arrangement, which is operatively connected between the motor and the moving portion for rotating or oscillating or reciprocating the moving portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A switch connected to the motor and battery provides momentary and continuous operation of the toothbrush. In one embodiment the toothbrush comprises a plurality of gears and swivel arms which move the brush head moving portion in a rotating, oscillating or reciprocating manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 09/766,703, filed on Jan. 22, 2001, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/382,745, filed on Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,178,579, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/236,794, filed Jan. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,693, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/163,621, filed on Sep.30, 1998, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,983 on Dec. 14, 1999.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to electric toothbrushes.More particularly, it relates to an improved battery powered toothbrush.

[0003] The benefits of brushing one's teeth using motorized toothbrushesare well known, and motorized movement in toothbrushes has been thesubject of much recent innovation and design activity. Also, thecommercial market has seen the introduction, over the last severalyears, of many different types of motorized toothbrushes. However, anexamination of the available technology shows a tendency towardincreasingly complex, expensive, and non-commercially feasible methodsof achieving motorized motions in the bristles and heads of toothbrushesto aid in more effectively cleaning one's teeth.

[0004] The commercial marketplace has become divided into two pricemarkets. On the higher priced end are some of these more complexmotorized toothbrushes that provide various motions to the bristles andbrush head. The lower end of the market has become the province of verysimple motorized toothbrushes that only vibrate through the use of anoffset weight attached to the motor shaft, and which provide very littletrue additional cleaning benefit with their use, since no vigorousmotion is transmitted to the cleaning surface of the brush. Thevibrations are also very uncomfortable to the hand and act as adisincentive to brush one's teeth for an adequate time.

[0005] Numerous electric toothbrushes have been developed over theyears. Some known devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,567; U.S.Pat. No. 5,186,627; U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,870; U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,534;U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,153; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,433. The intention ofthe present invention is to provide a low cost, effective, ergonomicallycorrect, motorized toothbrush wherein the brush includes both a movingcircular brush portion and a fixed brush portion. Accordingly it hasbeen considered desirable to develop a new and improved electrictoothbrush which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and otherswhile providing better and more advantageous overall results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush.

[0007] More specifically, the electric toothbrush is used in personalhygiene to clean one's teeth and gums using a motorized movement.

[0008] In a first preferred embodiment, the electric toothbrush includesan elongated body portion, a brush head attached to a first end of theelongated body portion, a handle attached to a second end of theelongated body portion, and an angled shaft between the brush head andthe handle.

[0009] The brush head includes a longitudinal axis, a circular or movingportion and a static portion. The moving portion rotates, swivels,gyrates, oscillates or reciprocates about an axis normal to thelongitudinal axis of the brush head and is incorporated into the largerbrush head. The static portion includes static bristles located onopposite sides of the moving portion. The stiff bristles of the movingportion can be slightly recessed in height from the static bristles.This particular arrangement allows for the moving portion to includestiff bristles which will aid in the deep cleaning and plaque removalprocess, while the stationary bristles would typically consist of softerbristles, so as not to damage the gums. The static portion and themoving portion also may include massaging tips along with the bristles.

[0010] The brush head has a more traditional larger brush head shapewhich permits the user to brush his teeth in the typical manner of an upand down fashion, while a motorized moving portion of the brush headcleans more effectively. The design of the brush head allows forinexpensive manufacture and brings effective motorized toothbrusheswithin the financial reach of a larger portion of the population.

[0011] The angled shaft provides an ergonomic benefit that has not beenutilized on a motorized toothbrush. The angle is well known for itsergonomic benefit in permitting easier access into the back recesses ofthe mouth while still contacting the tooth surface.

[0012] The elongated body portion includes a hollow portion. Thetoothbrush is further comprised of a motor within the hollow portion ofthe elongated body portion. The motor is operably connected to themoving portion of the brush head for rotating, oscillating orreciprocating the movable bristles on the head. The motor has alongitudinal axis which is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of theelongated body portion.

[0013] The hollow portion further includes a simplified gear assembly.The gearing may comprise any of several embodiments. In one embodiment,the gear assembly includes a worm gear, two step gears and a shaft. Themotor is operatively connected to the worm gear. The step gears areoperatively connected to the worm gear and to each other. The gearassembly delivers sufficient torque and speed, while preserving batterylongevity. The first step gear permits a second matching step gear to beoffset with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body portionand placed at the desired angle so that the shaft itself can still bestraight, thus losing no power or torque through the added friction of aflexible shaft. The shaft is operatively connected at a first end to theoffset step gear and at a second end to the moving portion of the brushhead.

[0014] The body further includes a switch to allow operation of theunit. The switch includes an actuator button and a metal contact. Theswitch is manually depressed by pressing a molded actuator button down,which presses against a metal contact, completing the circuit, as in aconventional momentary switch. The switch allows continuous operation,through a ramp design, by depressing and sliding the actuator buttonforward as in a conventional continuous switch. The forward motion,combined with the molded in ramp, causes the actuator button to movedownward, pressing against the metal contact, and completing thecircuit. By combining these two functions in one switch, the consumercan try the unit and see its operation prior to purchase, and stilloperate it continuously once out of the package.

[0015] The electric toothbrush can further include a battery locatedwithin the hollow portion of the elongated body portion. A slidable,snap-on cover is depressed then released from the end of the handle andopens to expose the hollow portion. The battery is then inserted andthen the cover is slid into position and snapped into place.

[0016] In a second preferred embodiment, the electric toothbrushincludes an elongated body portion, a brush head attached to a first endof the elongated body portion, a handle attached to a second end of theelongated body portion, and an angled shaft between the brush head andthe handle.

[0017] The brush head includes a longitudinal axis, a circular or movingportion, a static portion, a first end and a second end. The first endof the head is located adjacent the first end of the elongated bodyportion, and the second end is located opposite the first end. Thestatic portion is located at the first end or second end of the head.The moving portion is then located at the opposite end of the head. Themoving portion can rotate, swivel, gyrate, oscillate or reciprocateabout an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis of the brushhead and is incorporated into the larger brush head. The circularportion is preferably located at the second end of the brush head tofacilitate easier access and cleaning of the back of the user's mouth.The static bristles are located adjacent the circular portion. Thisparticular arrangement allows for the circular portion to include stiffbristles which will aid in the deep cleaning and plaque removal processfurther in the back of the user's mouth, while the stationary bristleswould typically consist of a softer bristle, so as not to damage thegums. The static portion and the moving portion also may includemassaging tips along with the bristles.

[0018] In a third preferred embodiment, the electric toothbrush includesan elongated body portion having opposed first and second ends, a hollowportion and a longitudinal axis, and a head attached to the first end ofthe elongated body portion. A handle is attached to the second end ofthe elongated body portion.

[0019] An angled shaft is located between the head and the handle. Thetoothbrush further includes a motor located within the hollow portion ofthe elongated body portion.

[0020] A plurality of gears are located in the hollow portion. Theplurality of gears comprises a first gear and a second gear. The motoris connected to the first gear, and the first gear is connected to thesecond gear.

[0021] The toothbrush also includes three swivel arms. The first swivelarm is pivotably connected to one of the gears. The first and secondswivel arms are pivotably connected to each other.

[0022] A shaft is operatively connected to one of the pair of swivelarms at a shaft first end and operatively connected to the third swivelarm at a shaft second end. The shaft is located within the angled shaft.

[0023] The head can further comprise a moving portion and a staticportion. The moving portion and the static portion are located adjacenteach other. The third swivel arm is connected to the moving portion. Themoving portion further comprises a disk which is connected to the thirdswivel arm.

[0024] The moving portion can be located adjacent a first end of thehead and the static portion is located adjacent a second end of thehead. Alternately, the static portion is located adjacent the first endof the head and the moving portion is located adjacent the second end ofthe head. The moving portion can also be located at a center of the headwith the static portion located on opposite sides of the head.

[0025] The shaft moves in a back and forth manner along the longitudinalaxis of the elongated body portion.

[0026] The first gear rotates about the longitudinal axis and the secondgear rotates about an axis normal to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] The swivel arms move in a back and forth manner along thelongitudinal axis of the elongated body portion.

[0028] The moving portion can rotate or oscillate about an axis normalto the longitudinal axis of the head.

[0029] Alternately, the moving portion can move in a back and forthmanner along the longitudinal axis of the head.

[0030] A switch is operably connected to the motor. The switch isdepressed to provide momentary operation of the toothbrush and isdepressed and slid in a slot in the elongated body portion to providecontinuous operation of the toothbrush.

[0031] In accordance with fourth and fifth preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, the static portion and the moving portion can eachinclude bristles and massaging tips, which are used for gently massagingthe user's gums while brushing.

[0032] In the fourth preferred embodiment, the moving portion can belocated at a center of the head with the static portion located onopposite sides of the head. In the fifth preferred embodiment, themoving portion can be located adjacent a first end of the head and thestatic portion is located adjacent a second end of the head.Alternately, the static portion is located adjacent the first end of thehead and the moving portion is located adjacent the second end of thehead.

[0033] The massaging tips can be located on the perimeter of the staticand moving portions or among the bristles on the static and movingportions.

[0034] One advantage of the present invention is the provision of anelectric toothbrush with a brush head with a traditional larger brushhead shape to permit the user to brush teeth in an up and down fashion,

[0035] Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of anelectric toothbrush which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

[0036] Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of anelectric toothbrush with an angled shaft to permit easier access to theback of the user's mouth.

[0037] Still another advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an electric toothbrush with a static portion and a circular or movingportion that rotates, swivels, oscillates or reciprocates.

[0038] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the provisionof a circular portion that rotates or reciprocates or swivels oroscillates which is positioned at the end of the brush head tofacilitate easier access to the back of the user's mouth.

[0039] Yet still another advantage of the present invention is theprovision of an electric toothbrush with a switch which allows momentaryoperation or continuous operation of the toothbrush.

[0040] Another advantage of the present invention is the provision of anelectric toothbrush with swivel arms which provide a simplifiedmechanism for rotating or oscillating the moving brush head.

[0041] Still another advantage of the present invention is the provisionof an electric toothbrush with massaging tips to permit the user tosimultaneously brush the user's teeth and massage the user's gums.

[0042] Still other advantages and benefits of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding ofthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention may take physical form in certain parts andarrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be describedin detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0044]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush inaccordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the electric toothbrush ofFIG. 1;

[0046]FIG. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the electric toothbrush ofFIG. 1;

[0047]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in cross section of the electrictoothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0048]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electric toothbrushof FIG. 1;

[0049]FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross section ofthe motor and gear assembly of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0050]FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevational view in cross section ofthe head of the electric toothbrush of FIG. 1;

[0051]FIG. 8 is a front and side elevational view of the electrictoothbrush in packaging;

[0052]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush inaccordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0053]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the electric toothbrush ofFIG. 9;

[0054]FIG. 11 is a bottom elevational view of the electric toothbrush ofFIG. 9.

[0055]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush inaccordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0056]FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the angled shaft and headof the electric toothbrush in accordance with a fourth preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0057]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the angled shaft and head ofthe electric toothbrush of FIG. 13.

[0058]FIG. 15 is a bottom elevational view of the angled shaft and headof the electric toothbrush in accordance with a fifth preferredembodiment of the present invention.

[0059]FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the angled shaft and head ofthe electric toothbrush of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for thepurposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention onlyand not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an electrictoothbrush A according to a first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The electric toothbrush can be used for personal hygiene suchas brushing one's teeth and gums.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric toothbrush includes an elongatedbody portion 10, which has a first end 12 and a second end 14. A head 16is attached to the first end 12 and a handle 18 is attached to thesecond end 14.

[0062] The head 16 has a more traditional larger brush head shape whichpermits the user to brush his teeth in the typical manner of an up anddown fashion. As shown on FIG. 2, the length of the head 16, dimension“X”, can range from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches. Thethickness of the brush head, dimension “Y”, can range from about 0.25inches to about 0.50 inches. The design of the head 16 allows forinexpensive manufacture and assists in bringing effective motorizedrotational toothbrushes within the financial reach of a large portion ofthe population.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 3, the head 16 further includes alongitudinal axis 19, a circular or moving portion or brush head 20 anda static portion or brush head 22. The static portion 22 is located onopposite sides of the moving portion 20. The moving portion 20 islocated at the center of the brush head 16. The moving portion 20rotates, swivels, oscillates or reciprocates about an axis approximatelynormal to the longitudinal axis 19 of the brush head 16. The movingportion 20 may rotate 360° or partially rotate or oscillate orreciprocate in a back and forth manner.

[0064] The moving portion 20 includes stiff bristles 24. The staticportion 22 includes soft bristles 26. The stiff bristles 24 are slightlyrecessed with respect to the soft bristles 26. The stiff bristles 24 aidin the deep cleaning and plaque removal process, while the stationarysoft bristles 26 are softer so as to not damage the gums. The thicknessof the bristles, dimension “Z”, shown in FIG. 2, can range from about0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches.

[0065] Referring again to FIG. 3, the elongated body portion 10 furtherincludes an angled shaft 28, located between the head 16 and the handle18. The angled shaft 28 provides an ergonomic benefit that has not beenutilized on a motorized toothbrush. The angle is well known for itsergonomic benefit in permitting easier access into the back recesses ofthe mouth while still contacting the tooth surface.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the elongated body portion 10further includes a hollow portion 30 which houses a motor 32. The motor32 has a longitudinal axis 34 in line with a longitudinal axis 36 of theelongated body portion 10.

[0067] To provide power to the moving portion 20 to rotate or oscillateor reciprocate, the motor 32 powers a worm gear 40 and a pair of stepgears 42, 43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to the worm gear 40.Step gear 42 is operatively connected to step gear 43 and the worm gear40.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the first step gear 42 permits thematching second step gear 43 to be offset with respect to thelongitudinal axis 36 of the elongated body portion 10.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, a shaft 44 is connected at a firstend to the offset step gear 43 and at a second end to the moving portion20. The second step gear 43 is placed at a desired angle so that theshaft 44 itself can still be straight, thus losing no power or torquethrough the added function of a flexible shaft.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 5, the motor 32 and gears 40, 42, 43 arehoused with an upper housing 46 and a lower housing 48.

[0071] Referring again to FIG. 4, a switch 50 is provided to controloperation of the electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to themotor 32. The switch 50 includes a molded actuator button 52 and a metalcontact 54. The switch 50 is manually depressed by pressing a moldedactuator button 52 down, which then presses against a metal contact 54,which completes the circuit and provides momentary operation of thetoothbrush. The switch 50 also allows continuous operation through aramp design, sliding the button 52 forward toward the head 16 to providefor continuous operation. Moving the button 52 forward, combined with amolded in ramp 58 in the metal contact 54, causes the button 52 to movedownward, pressing against the metal contact 54 and completing thecircuit. The toothbrush then continuously operates until the button 52is slid back into an off position toward the handle 18 and the button 52disengages the metal contact 54.

[0072] By combining these two functions in one switch 50, the toothbrushcan be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 where the consumer candepress the button 52 through the packaging and see its operation whilestill inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuouslyonce out of the package. FIG. 8 illustrates one version of the button52. It should be noted that other sizes and shapes of buttons may beused.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery 60 is provided withinthe hollow portion 30 of the elongated body portion 10. A batteryterminal or contact 62 is provided for the battery 60. An AA battery canbe used as is illustrated in FIG. 4. To install the battery 60 into thehollow portion 30, a slidable snap-on cover 64 is depressed and slid offthe end of the handle 18 to expose the hollow portion 30. The battery 60is inserted, then the cover 64 is slid back on to the housing andsnapped into place. The terminal end of the battery 60 is then incontact with the metal contact 54.

[0074] If desired, depressions or grip areas 70 and 72 can be moldedinto the upper and lower housings 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 4. Thedepressions 70, 72 are used to support a user's thumb and forefinger orother fingers to make using the electric toothbrush easier and morecomfortable.

[0075] A second preferred embodiment of the electric toothbrushaccording to the present invention is shown in FIG. 9.

[0076] The electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion 80which has a first end 82 and a second end 84. A head 86 is attached tothe first end 82 and a handle 88 is attached to the second end 84.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 11, the head 86 further includes alongitudinal axis 90, a circular or moving portion or brush head 100, astatic portion or brush head 102, a first end 104, and a second end 106.The first end 104 is located adjacent the first end 82 of the elongatedbody portion 80. The second end 106 is located opposite the first end104. The circular moving portion 100 is preferably located at the secondend 106 of the brush head 86. The static portion 102 is preferablylocated at the first end 104 of the brush head 86 adjacent the movingportion 100. However, it is to be appreciated that the moving portion100 and the static portion 102 can be arranged in differentorientations. The moving portion 100 rotates, swivels, oscillates orreciprocates about an axis approximately normal to the longitudinal axis90 of the brush head 86.

[0078] The second preferred embodiment also has a worm gear 40 and apair of step gears 42, 43 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The motor 32 powersthe worm gear 40 and the pair of step gears 42,43. The step gear 42permits the matching step gear 43 to be offset with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the elongated body portion 80.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, a shaft 44 is connected at a firstend to the offset step gear 43 and at a second end to the moving portion100. The second step gear 43 is placed at a desired angle so that theshaft 44 can still be straight, thus losing no power or torque throughthe added function of a flexible shaft.

[0080] Referring again to FIG. 9, a switch 130 is provided to controloperation of the electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to themotor 32. The switch 130 includes a molded actuator button 132. Theswitch 130 is manually depressed by pressing a molded actuator button132 down, which then presses against a metal contact 54, which completesthe circuit and provides momentary operation of the toothbrush. Theoperation of the switch 130 is identical to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 6and as described for the first preferred embodiment. The switch 130 alsoallows continuous operation through a ramp design, sliding the button132 forward toward the head 86 to provide for continuous operation. Thetoothbrush then continuously operates until the button 132 is slid backinto an off position toward the handle 88 and the button 132 disengagesthe metal contact 54.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for the first preferred embodiment, thesecond preferred embodiment also has a battery 60 with a batteryterminal or contact 62 provided within the hollow portion 30 of theelongated body portion 80. To install the battery 60 into the hollowportion 30, a slidable snap-on cover 134 (shown in FIGS. 9-11) isdepressed and slid off the end of the handle 88 to expose the hollowportion 30. The battery 60 is inserted, then the cover 134 is slid backon to the housing and snapped into place.

[0082] If desired, raised grip areas 136 can be molded into the lowerhousing 124 as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11. The raised portions 136 areused to support a user's thumb and forefinger or other fingers to makeusing the electric toothbrush easier and more comfortable. Raisedportion 140 may also be molded onto the snap-on cover 134 to aid ingripping the cover with one's thumb and removing the cover from thehandle 88.

[0083] The electric toothbrush of the second preferred embodiment canalso be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 as shown for the firstpreferred embodiment where the consumer can depress the button 132through the packaging and see its operation while still inside thepackaging, and then be able to operate it continuously once out of thepackaging.

[0084] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 12.

[0085] The electric toothbrush includes an elongated body portion 150which has a first end 152 and a second end 154. A head 160 is attachedto the first end 152 and a handle 162 is attached to the second end 154.

[0086] The head 160 further includes a moving portion or brush head 164,a static portion or brush head 166, a first end 168, and a second end170. As shown in FIG. 12, the moving portion 164 is located adjacent thesecond end 170. The static portion 166 is shown located adjacent thefirst end 168. However, it is to be appreciated that the moving portion164 could be located adjacent the first end 168, and the static portion166 could be located adjacent the second end 170. Furthermore, themoving portion 164 could be positioned in the center of the brush headwith static portions 166 on opposite sides of the moving portion 164similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

[0087] In accordance with this embodiment, the moving portion 164oscillates about an axis approximately normal to a longitudinal axis 172of the elongated body portion 150.

[0088] The moving portion 164 can include stiff bristles 178. The staticportion 166 can include soft bristles 180 which are softer than thestiff bristles. The stiff bristles 178 may be slightly recessed withrespect to the soft bristles 180. The stiff bristles 178 aid in the deepcleaning and plaque removal process, while the stationary soft bristles180 are softer so as to not damage the gums.

[0089] The elongated body portion 150 further includes an angled shaft190, an upper housing 192 (not shown), and a lower housing 194. Theangled shaft 190 is located between the head 160 and the handle 162. Theangled shaft 190 provides an ergonomic benefit that has not beenutilized on a motorized toothbrush.

[0090] The elongated body portion 150 of the third preferred embodimentalso includes a hollow portion 196 which houses a motor 200. The hollowportion 196 is formed between the upper housing 192 and the lowerhousing 194. The motor 200 provides power to the moving portion 164 torotate or oscillate or reciprocate. Power is provided to the motor bybattery as shown and described for the first embodiment.

[0091] A switch (not shown) can be provided which is similar to switch130 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 and which functions as described for thefirst and second preferred embodiments.

[0092] The third embodiment further includes a first gear 202 which isoperatively connected to and powered by the motor 200. The first gear202 rotates about the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated bodyportion 150. A second gear 206 is operatively connected to the firstgear 202. The second gear 206 is approximately normal to the first gear202. The second gear 206 rotates about an axis approximately normal tothe longitudinal axis 172. Teeth 208 of the first gear 202 mesh withteeth 210 of the second gear 206, thus causing second gear 206 to rotatewhen first gear 202 rotates.

[0093] A first swivel arm 220 is pivotably connected to the second gear206 via a pin 222 or other fastening device. A second swivel arm 224 ispivotably connected to the first swivel arm 220 via a pin 226 or otherfastening device. A shaft 230 is fixedly secured at a shaft first end232 to the second swivel arm 224. The shaft 230 is pivotably attached ata shaft second end 234 to a third swivel arm 240. The shaft 230 ishoused within the angled shaft 190.

[0094] The shaft 230 is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis172.

[0095] A guide spacer 250 is located within the angled shaft 190 andsurrounds the shaft 230 adjacent the first end 232 of the shaft 230 tominimize lateral movement of the shaft 230. A second guide spacer 252 islocated adjacent the second end 234 of the shaft 230 to also minimizelateral movement of the shaft 230. Guide spacers 250, 252 align theshaft 230 within the angled shaft 190 and minimize its movement fromside to side within the angled shaft 190.

[0096] The third swivel arm 240 has a first end 244 and a second end246. The third swivel arm 240 is pivotably connected to the second guidespacer 252 at the swivel arm first end 244 via a pin 253. The thirdswivel arm 240 is connected at the swivel arm second end 246 to themoving portion 164 via a pin 254 or other fastening device. The pin 254is connected to a disk 256 of the moving portion 164 which is housedwithin the head 160.

[0097] As the first gear 202 rotates, the second gear 206 is rotated,thus moving the first swivel arm 220 in a back and forth circularfashion about the second gear 206 and along the longitudinal axis 172.The first swivel arm 220 also can pivot about the pin 222. The firstswivel arm 220 retains its orientation of approximately parallel to thelongitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150 during movement.The second swivel arm 224 pivots with respect to its pin connection 226with the first swivel arm 220 thus allowing the shaft 230 to oscillatein a back and forth manner toward and away from the brush head withminimal lateral motion.

[0098] During operation, the third swivel arm 240 moves back and forthalong the longitudinal axis 172 of the elongated body portion 150 alongwith the shaft 230.

[0099] The swivel arm 240 can also pivot or move slightly laterally in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0100] The third swivel arm 240 has an offset arm 260 which is offsetfrom the longitudinal axis 172 and moves the disk 256 of the movingportion 164 in a partially rotating or oscillating motion. As the thirdswivel arm 240 moves back and forth, the offset arm 260 moves along anoutside edge 262 of the disk 256 in a partially rotating or oscillatingfashion about an axis which is approximately normal to the longitudinalaxis 172. This causes the bristles 178 to also move in a partiallyrotating or oscillating manner about an axis approximately normal to thelongitudinal axis 172.

[0101] When the third swivel arm 240 rotates, the disk 256 also rotatesabout an axis approximately normal to the elongated body portionlongitudinal axis 172. The third, swivel arm 240 also retains itsorientation of approximately parallel to the elongated body portionlongitudinal axis 172 during movement.

[0102] If desired, raised grip areas (not shown) can be provided whichare similar to raised grip areas 138 and 140 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11for the second preferred embodiment. The raised grip areas can be moldedinto the lower housing 194.

[0103] The electric toothbrush of the third preferred embodiment canalso be packaged in packaging as shown in FIG. 8 as shown for the firstpreferred embodiment. The consumer can depress a button (not shown)similar to button 132 shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 for the secondpreferred embodiment through the packaging and see its operation whilestill inside the packaging, and then be able to operate it continuouslyonce out of the packaging.

[0104] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13and 14. The head of the electric toothbrush is illustrated. Theremaining portion of the brush, including the handle, motor, etc. is thesame as described for any of the previously described embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 13, a head 316 includes a longitudinal axis 319, acircular or moving portion or brush head 320 and a static portion orbrush head 322. The head 316 is located adjacent a first end 328 of anelongated body portion. The static portion 322 is located on oppositesides of the moving portion 320. The moving portion 320 is located atthe center of the brush head 316. The circular portion 320 rotates,swivels, oscillates or reciprocates about an axis approximately normalto the longitudinal axis 319 of the brush head. The circular portion 320may rotate 360 degrees or partially rotate or oscillate or reciprocatein a back and forth manner.

[0105] The moving portion 320 includes bristles 324 and massaging tips325. The static portion 322 includes bristles 326 and massaging tips327. The massaging tips 325, 327 massage the gums while the usersimultaneously brushes his or her teeth. The massaging tips 325, 327 canbe made from a rubber, soft plastic or similar material. The massagingtips 325, 327 extend essentially perpendicularly from the head 316 asmeasured along the longitudinal axis 319. In the preferred embodimentthe massaging tips 325, 327 are located around the perimeter of thecircular portion 320 and the static portion 322, however it is to beunderstood that the massaging tips can be located anywhere among thebristles of the moving portion 320 and the static portion 322. Thelength of the massaging tips 325, 327 is approximately the same lengthas the bristles 324, 326. The massaging tips 325, 327 may extendslightly above, slightly below or to the same height as the bristles324, 326.

[0106] In a fifth preferred embodiment of the electric toothbrush asshown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a head 486 includes a longitudinal axis 490, acircular or moving portion or brush head 500, a static portion or brushhead 502, a first end 504 and a second end 506. The first end 504 islocated adjacent to the first end 482 of the elongated body. The secondend 506 is located opposite the first end 504. The moving portion 500 ispreferably located at the second end 506 of the brush head 486. Thestatic portion 502 is preferably located at the first end 504 of thebrush head 486 adjacent the moving portion 500. However, it is to beappreciated that the moving portion 500 and the static portion 502 canbe arranged in different orientations. The moving portion 500 canrotate, swivel, oscillate or reciprocate about an axis approximatelynormal to the longitudinal axis 490 of the brush head 486.

[0107] The moving portion 500 includes bristles 510 and massaging tips511. The static portion 502 includes bristles 512 and massaging tips513. The massaging tips 511, 513 massage the gums while the user brusheshis or her teeth. The massaging tips 511, 513 can be made from a rubber,soft plastic or similar material. The massaging tips 511, 513 extendessentially perpendicularly from the head 486 as measured along thelongitudinal axis 490. In the preferred embodiment the massaging tips511, 513 are located around the perimeter of the moving portion 500 andthe static portion 502, however it is to be understood that themassaging tips can be located anywhere among the bristles of the movingportion 500 and the static portion 502. The length of the massaging tips511, 513 is approximately the same length as the bristles 510, 512. Themassaging tips 511, 513 may extend slightly above, slightly below or tothe same height as the bristles 510, 512.

[0108] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
 1. An electrictoothbrush comprising: packaging for containing the toothbrush; anelongated body portion having opposed first and second ends, and ahollow portion; a head attached to the first end, the head including amoving portion; a motor located within the hollow portion of theelongated body portion, the motor operative to generate motion fordriving the moving portion; a gear arrangement operatively connected tothe motor at a first end and to the moving portion at a second end, thegear arrangement operative to deliver motion generated by the motor tothe moving portion; a switch operably connected to the motor, whereinthe switch is actuated in a first manner to provide momentary operationof the toothbrush when the toothbrush is within the packaging, and isactuated in a second manner to provide continuous operation of thetoothbrush when the toothbrush is out of the packaging.
 2. Thetoothbrush as defined in claim 1 wherein when the switch is actuated ina first manner, the switch is depressed to provide the momentaryoperation.
 3. The toothbrush as defined in claim 1 wherein when theswitch is actuated in a second manner, the switch is slid in a slot inthe elongated body portion.
 4. An electric toothbrush operative to cleanthe teeth of a user, the electric toothbrush comprising: an elongatedbody having a handle portion, a head portion, and a body shaft portionintermediate the handle portion and the head portion, the head portioncomprising moving bristles; a motor disposed in the handle portion andoperatively connected to the moving bristles with a gearing and shaftassembly including a shaft received in and extending along at least aportion of the length of the body shaft portion for driving the movingbristles; and, a switch operative to direct energy to the motor whilethe switch is held in a closed contact position by the user.
 5. Theelectric toothbrush of claim 4 where in the switch is further operativeto direct energy to the motor when placed in a continuous mode position,even after the switch is released by the user.
 6. The electrictoothbrush of claim 4 further including a battery located within thehandle portion for powering the motor.
 7. The electric toothbrush ofclaim 4 wherein the moving bristles comprise rotating bristles.
 8. Theelectric toothbrush of claim 4 wherein the moving bristles compriseoscillating bristles.
 9. The electric toothbrush of claim 4 wherein themoving bristles comprise reciprocating bristles.
 10. An electrictoothbrush comprising: an elongated body portion having opposed firstand second ends, and a hollow portion; a head located at the first end;a moving portion located within the head; a motor located within thehollow portion; a gear located in the hollow portion, wherein the motoris operatively connected to the gear; at least one swivel arm, whereinone swivel arm is pivotably connected to the gear; and a shaftoperatively connected to the at least one swivel arm and disposed fortransferring movement in a back and forth manner to the moving portion.11. The electric toothbrush of claim 10 wherein the moving portionfurther comprises at least one of a plurality of moving bristles and aplurality of massaging tips.
 12. An electric toothbrush comprising: anelongated body portion having opposed first and second ends, a hollowportion, and a longitudinal axis; a head attached to the first end; amotor located within the hollow portion of the elongated body portion; afirst gear and a second gear located in the hollow portion, wherein themotor is operatively connected to the first gear, and the first gear isconnected to the second gear; a first swivel arm connected to the secondgear, wherein as the second gear turns, a component of first swivel armmotion is in a back and forth direction generally along the longitudinalaxis; and a shaft, guided in the longitudinal direction, operativelyconnected to the first swivel arm at a first shaft end, and operativelyconnected to the moving portion at a shaft second end, wherein the backand forth motion of the first swivel arm is carried by the shaft to themoving portion.
 13. The electric toothbrush of claim 12 wherein theshaft is operatively connected to the first swivel arm at the shaftfirst end by a second swivel arm.
 14. The electric toothbrush of claim12 wherein the shaft is operatively connected to the moving portion atthe second shaft end by a third swivel arm.
 15. The electric toothbrushof claim 12 wherein the moving portion rotates about an axis generallynormal to the longitudinal axis.
 16. The electric toothbrush of claim 12wherein the moving portion oscillates about an axis generally normal tothe longitudinal axis.
 17. The electric toothbrush of claim 12 whereinthe moving portion reciprocates back and forth along the longitudinalaxis.
 18. The electric toothbrush of claim 12 wherein the first gearrotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and the secondgear rotates about an axis generally normal to the longitudinal axis.